Four years after a devastating fire destroyed a 113-year-old church in Fort Chipewyan, residents in the northern Alberta hamlet are advocating for a new communal space to commemorate significant occasions. Elder Alice Rigney of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation shared her deep personal ties to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Roman Catholic Church, where she was baptized and married, emphasizing the emotional connection it provided after losing her mother.
Originally constructed in 1909 on the shores of Lake Athabasca, the church was recognized as a National Historic Place in 2006. In 2020, ownership of the church was transferred from the Diocese of St. Paul to King’s Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries, a Christian charity based in Fort McMurray, which was met with disappointment by the community.
With no stationed priest at the time, the church relied on visits from a priest from Fort McMurray for services until it was tragically consumed by fire in 2022, leading to the loss of a cherished historical and architecturally significant building adorned with fish oil paintings.
The space where the church once stood is now utilized by the Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries for various community activities. Margaret Whiteknife, a volunteer with the local Roman Catholic committee, expressed a desire for a new church to replace the sold one, highlighting the importance of having a dedicated space for community gatherings, including wakes and services.
Efforts are underway to establish a non-profit society to raise funds for a new Roman Catholic church that would serve as a versatile hub for diverse community events. Despite the complex historical context of the site, which once housed the Holy Angels Residential School, the community is striving to create an inclusive space that welcomes all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Bishop Gary Anthony Franken acknowledged the community’s aspirations for a new church but stated that discussions are in the preliminary stages. He mentioned the challenges of constructing a church in a remote location like Fort Chipewyan, suggesting the possibility of a prefabricated building tailored for church purposes. The task of stationing a priest in such a community presents additional obstacles, including the need for suitable housing, work facilities, and sustainable local funding.
Although the new church may not occupy the exact location of the original one, the emphasis remains on providing the community with a space they can truly call their own. The endeavor reflects a shared commitment to preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of Fort Chipewyan while fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity among its residents.